2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 355 more horse power than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 375 kg more than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 613 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 5982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 88 L |
